C’garh has tremendous scope in horticulture innovation: CM

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture Department in promoting production of litchi, cashew, tea and coffee in the state. He emphasized the need for value addition of these products.

Addressing a press conference at Pathalgaon in Jashpur region, the Chief Minister said Jashpur was already planting litchi but in an innovative step the farmers of Bastar region too were producing litchi and cashew.

Jashpur has tea gardens whereas coffee plantation has been done in Bastar, he said.

Baghel again raised the issue of less coal royalty paid to Chhattisgarh. “Despite repeated requests to the Union Coal Ministry, nothing has been done.”

Regarding the shortage of chemical fertilizer, he said: “Soon we will overcome the issue as we are switching over to organic manure.”

The Chief Minister denied that the government will soon stop providing input subsidy to farmers. It will continue, he said.